Tips for Locker Rooms

Athletes are particularly vulnerable to bullying, harassment or hazing from other athletes in changing areas due to the general lack of privacy. Similarly, on-site private spaces, such as personal offices, can be the setting for inappropriate adult-athlete contact. The goal is to find a balance between maintaining privacy and monitoring these places to reduce the risk of all forms of athlete misconduct.

Tips to Consider

Post copies of any relevant policies in locker rooms and changing areas.

Prohibit the use of recording devices of any kind in the locker room and establish an athlete common area in or near the locker room that is distinct from the changing area where phones could be used.

If the locker room is a shared facility (such as a city gym), encourage athletes to come dressed for practice or competition and shower and change at home.

Talk with your athletes about bullying, hazing and harassment at the beginning of each season. Remind them that locker rooms are a high-risk area for bullying, hazing and harassment, which are never appropriate.

Encourage team captains to act as another set of eyes in locker room. This tip may be particularly helpful if the coach of a team is of a different gender than the locker room/private space being used by the athletes.